5 Fun family vacation ideas

Ami is a writer who is also a childbirth educator and former doula. In addition to her love of all things birth and babies, she is addicted to celebrity news and isn't ashamed to admit it. Ami lives in Chicago with her husband and her te...

Fresh family vacations

If you've been putting off taking a vacation, reconsider. There's no time like the present to enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation. Whether you want to travel the world or stay close to home, here are some of the year's top family-friendly destinations.

It's never easy to fulfill the entire family's wishes all of the time, but these trips offer something for everyone, from young, first-time vacationers to seasoned travelers.

Eco-Friendly Vacations

For the environmentally conscious family, spending time at a beautiful destination while learning about the natural world may be the ideal vacation. Eco Family Adventures offers family-friendly destinations as close as Idaho and as international as Turkey, Ecuador and Galapagos, and Costa Rica. Visit ecofamilyadventures for more information.

All-Inclusives

From a budget-friendly few days at sea to a week or more at exotic ports of call around the world, all-inclusive resorts and cruise lines offer something for everyone. Vacation packages typically include food and beverages (alcohol for mom and dad usually costs extra) and an array of activities just for the kids while parents get spa treatments or relax by the pool. Specialized activities such as waterskiing, snorkeling, hikes and more may be included, too. If not, you can purchase them for an additional fee.

RV Travel

Whether you're going camping for the weekend or taking a cross-country road trip, a great way to spend quality time together -- and save money -- is to travel in a recreational vehicle (RV). Eat your own food, sleep with your own pillows, bring along fun activities... Best of all, "Are we there yet?" won't be the question of the day in an RV!

Don't Forget Disney

Walt Disney welcomes millions of families each year, but in 2010, it's your turn to share the magic -- of volunteering. Disney is offering a special Give A Day, Get A Day promotion this year. Spend a day helping others in your community, and you'll receive a free day's admission to any Walt Disney World park! For more information, visit Give A Day, Get A Day.

Staycation

The economy may be getting better, but the best destination may still be your own backyard. Visit a museum. Experience live theater. Enjoy a meal at a special restaurant. Or literally stay in your own backyard: Get out the tent and sleeping bags, check to make sure there aren't any burn restrictions in place, and light a campfire. The best part? The convenience of your own bathroom, and if you don't really want to sleep all night under the stars, you can always escape to your own bed.

No matter where your travels take you, enjoy making memories for a lifetime!